It seems as though words so closely linked as “joy” and “happiness” would become interchangeable in our minds. Perhaps seeing the difference as degree, but are we causing some emotional confusion when we make happiness and joy so alike? Pursuing happiness is a major activity, and we like to say “whatever makes you happy” as…
lovely to think
Unexpected Places
You must admit that God chooses some unexpected places to show up. Bethlehem might have seemed unpromising enough; but in the stable of the local Inn? No one would have guessed that. Then there was the continuation of Ruth’s life and the ancestral line of the Messiah; the place for her to meet her husband…
God Is A Giver
Much of the message we hear during Christmas is that of giving and receiving. It is everywhere, and put to all sorts of purposes. Human beings are crafty like that… turning things to their advantage. Used for merchandizing, fundraising, and charitable giving and everything in between. The message can appeal to both our best and…
Think on These Things
Today’s Meditation Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. The season is in full swing, and we are admonished…
Thankful for Provision
The Magi, Wise Men Long, long before Jesus was born, there were prophecies written about his coming. Daniel was taken captive into Babylonia and was one of the prophets who wrote down some of those clues. The Magi, men who studied such things as well as the stars for signs, pored over the writings and…
Letting Your Light Shine
What is more cheering that seeing a light shine in the darkness… if it represents home, shelter, help, and reminds of something hopeful? What may the shepherds have considered when the skies opened up with light and angelic singing? How hopeful were the wise men, once a special star appeared in the skies? How may…
Appreciating Tenderness
Joseph was obviously a tender hearted man, the way the gospel says it, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.” (Matthew 1:19). He found himself in a sticky situation, that was surely an unexpected wrinkle in his hopes…
Appreciating Purity
Mary’s symbol is the white lily. Its meaning is purity and innocence, and appropriate for reminding us that the mother of Christ was a virgin; giving birth miraculously without having relations with a man. Mary’s Lily by ilonagarden Luke 1:26-38 Birth of Jesus Foretold In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God…
Candle of Love 2016
Our thoughts today are of the love God has shown us in sending His Son, Jesus. God’s love in human form. This kind of love has certain characteristics… unlike all other types of love. In scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments we see it’s caring and self sacrificing actions: “For the Lord your…
Joy Giving
Thankfulness for joy giving, rather than joy getting. We often need to be reminded for the greater effort invested in giving because our natural inclination is to think about what we “get”. “What is in it for us?” Â we tend to think. It takes time and training to be generous and magnanimous. It stretches us…